| The January 28, 2008 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Internal Medicine reported a study conducted by researchers in England and the U.S. which found that leisure time physical activity in men and women is associated with increased leukocyte (white blood cell) telomere length compared with that of sedentary individuals. Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences which cap the ends of chromosomes that progressively shorten with age. According to the report's authors, "Oxidative stress enhances telomere erosion with cell replication, whereas inflammation entails an increase in turnover of leukocytes. Telomere dynamics in leukocytes might, therefore, chronicle the cumulative burden of oxidative stress and inflammation and, as such, serve as an index of biological age." For the study, Lynn F. Cherkas, PhD, of King’s College London, and colleagues evaluated questionnaire responses from 2,401 twins, who provided information on medical history, smoking habits, socioeconomic status, and physical activity level over the past 12 months. Blood DNA samples were evaluated for leukocyte telomere length. They found, not unexpectedly, a decrease in length corresponding to the age of the participants, averaging a 21 nucleotide yearly loss. Subjects who engaged in less leisure time physical activity had shorter telomeres than those who reported greater activity. Mean telomere length in the most active participants, who performed an average of 199 minutes of weekly physical activity, was 200 nucleotides greater than subjects whose activity was lowest at 16 minutes per week. This increase in telomere length corresponds with a biological age of a sedentary person up to ten years younger. Adjustment for age, physical activity at work, body mass index, and other factors failed to reduce the significance of the finding. A separate analysis which compared pairs of twins with differing levels of physical activity resulted in a similar finding. The discovery contributes to the known benefits of exercise, including reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity and osteoporosis. “A sedentary lifestyle increases the propensity to aging-related disease and premature death,” the authors remark. “Inactivity may diminish life expectancy not only by predisposing to aging-related diseases but also because it may influence the aging process itself.” “Adults who partake in regular physical activity are biologically younger than sedentary individuals," the authors write. "This conclusion provides a powerful message that could be used by clinicians to promote the potential anti-aging effect of regular exercise.” Commenting on such biomarkers as telomere length in an accompanying editorial, Jack M. Guralnik, MD, PhD of the National Institutes on Aging concluded that “Altering oxidative stress, inflammation, or other detrimental processes could have a measurable effect on these markers and ultimately on clinically relevant aging outcomes." | |  |  | | Getting the most from exercise Exercise has been shown to increase life span by an average of one to four years for people who engage in moderate to difficult exercise routines (Jonker JT et al 2006; Franco OH et al 2005). Better yet, those additional years will be healthful years because exercise benefits the heart, lungs, and muscles. Even moderate levels of exercise have been documented to stave off many dreaded diseases of aging. Walking briskly for 3 hours per week reduces one’s chances of developing many chronic health problems (Chakravarthy MV et al 2002). Exercise may also alleviate depression and enhance self-image and quality of life (Elavsky S et al 2005; Schechtman KB et al 2001). There are many benefits to a program of regular exercise. In addition to enhanced self-esteem, exercise can promote weight loss and aid in the prevention of a number of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the following nutrients have been shown to enhance muscle function, promote quicker recovery after exercise, and increase strength: - Carnitine—1000 to 2000 milligrams (mg) daily
- Carnosine—1500 to 3000 mg daily
- Branched-chain amino acids—containing at least 1200 mg L-leucine, 600 mg L-isoleucine, and 600 mg L-valine
- Glutamine—500 to 1000 mg daily
- Whey protein—consider taking 20 to 80 grams (g) whey protein daily. It is most important to consume whey protein before and immediately after your exercise session to make sure adequate protein is available to depleted muscles.
- PPC—900 to 1800 mg
| Climb aboard Life Extension's Second Annual Cruise! Our first cruise was so successful that we decided to offer another one in 2008! Attendees told us they were able to learn a lot about the latest in integrative therapies and antiaging research and at the same time have plenty of fun aboard the cruise ship. The second Life Extension Seminar at Sea will be a 7-night cruise on August 29, 2008. This time we will cruise the splendor of the Alaskan wilderness aboard Celebrity’s sumptuous Infinity. You’ll enjoy our Life Extension seminars, one-on-one consultations, a welcome aboard cocktail reception, exceptional personal service, award-winning cuisine, world-famous amenities, accommodations that are the most spacious at sea, and much more. Experience the extraordinary: Celebrity Your ship: Infinity Onboard the Infinity luxury reigns. Every grand deck is lavishly finished in wood and marble, etched glass, and polished granite. Original works of art are on exhibit throughout the ship. From the Grand Foyer to the premiere dining restaurant, The SS United States, every aspect of the Infinity is magnificent. Unique Features: The Conservatory: Perched high above the sea, the Conservatory is a flourishing, breathtaking garden featuring the exclusive collection of world-renowned floral designer, Emilio Robba. SS United States Restaurant: Tantalizing cuisine served in a most exquisite setting. Reminiscent of transatlantic ocean liners of the past, the SS United States Restaurant will whisk you back in time. Aquaspa®: Discover a state of complete tranquility in the Persian Garden or spoil yourself with a host of indulgences in the most luxurious spa afloat. Online@Celebrity: Onboard Internet café. Words: Infinity’s expansive library. http://www.lifeextension.com/event.htm | |  | | Optimized Carnitine with GlycoCarn™   | | Nutritional researchers have discovered that the amino acid carnitine promotes the burning of fat for fuel in the mitochondria, thus promoting youthful levels of cellular energy production. Researchers have now identified several optimized, next-generation forms of carnitine that not only help boost cellular energy production, but also may confer targeted benefits for the brain, heart, muscles, and central nervous system. Optimized Carnitine with GlycoCarn™ combines these advanced forms of carnitine -- acetyl-L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine, and acetyl-L-carnitine arginate -- in a single formula that provides balanced, broad-spectrum support for cellular energy production throughout the body. | | | Branched Chain Amino Acids  | | The branched chain amino acids L-valine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine enhance protein synthesis in liver cells and muscle cells. Because they can be oxidized in the cell’s mitochondria, the branched chain amino acids may also provide energy. They are used by body builders to produce an anabolic effect and repair the micro tears that are a normal result of exercise. | | | |  | | Life Extension Update | | What's Hot | | Life Extension magazine | |
